Cool kitchens

Must-have kit and expert tips

They all started out on different paths – from sales offices to science labs – but each of these professional bakers found purpose and joy in baking. Here, they tell Jill Foster why it has become a passion that continues to nourish their souls

Padella founder Tim Siadatan shows us there’s more to his shopping than a cruise down the pasta aisle

INGREDIENTS 100g sourdough starter 380ml warm water 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp salt 500g strong white bread flour TOPPINGS 2-3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 3-4 ripe plums, stones removed and cut into quart

Food news and views

I have a confession to make. I’m a terrible baker. Last time I attempted a loaf, circa 2007, it was mockingly named ‘Ailsa Craig’ – a granite island off the west coast of Scotland – and flung into a s